The founder of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT), Daphne Sheldrick passed Away on Thursday evening, 12th April, after a long battle with Breast Cancer.

She started the DSWT foundation in 1977 after the passing of her husband, David Sheldrick. She had dedicated over 60 years of her life protecting wildlife and over 40 years protecting new born elephants, rhinos and antelopes.

According to a statement by the DSWT organization, “she was the first person to successfully hand raise a milk dependent new born elephant and rhino. Knowledge that has seen more than 230 orphaned elephants saved in Kenya, and countless other infant elephants in countries across Africa and into India.”

The Wildlife Conservationist had received honor awards in her lifetime for the work she did to protect Wildlife in the country. She was awarded the Moran of the Burning Spear (MBS) by former President Daniel Arap Moi and also the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) by Queen Elizabeth II in 1989.